Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 13 in. (33 cm) Max. W. 2 13/16 in. (7.1 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.344
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Textile Fragment* from 3rd–4th century offers a rare glimpse into the artistry of everyday life in the ancient Near East or Egypt during the Late Antique period. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through a subscription purchase in 188, this small piece—measuring just 13 inches high and under 3 inches wide—survives as a testament to the fragility and endurance of ancient fabrics. Housed in the museum's Islamic Art department, reflects the cultural continuum between pre-Islamic and later Islamic textile traditions. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the gr...